The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program aims to honour excellence and focuses on the successes of Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs from throughout the province. Now in its 16th annual year, the Indigenous-led program offers awardees and their supporters an authentic space to showcase their achievements and build bridges between BC’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies.
Nominations are open for the 2024 award for another four weeks! The deadline to nominate an Indigenous business is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Recipients will be notified in July, announced in September, and celebrated on October 7, 2024 at the annual IBA Gala.
The IBA Nomination form is available at the link here.
Do you or someone you know demonstrate excellence in Indigenous business? Here’s how to know if the business qualifies for the IBA.
NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY:
An eligible nominee must be a business that:
- Is at least 51% Indigenous owned and operated (First Nations, Métis or Inuit)
- Is based in British Columbia
- Has been in operation for a minimum of two years
A business may self-nominate (i.e., apply for the Award program).
The following are ineligible to receive the Award:
- Government agencies and institutions
- Those operated or owned by BC Achievement board members
- Those operated or owned by jury panel members
- Posthumous nominations are not eligible
Past awardees must wait five years before reapplying unless the nature of the business has significantly changed.
AWARD CATEGORIES:
Individuals and businesses may enter in ONE category only.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: this award recognizes success by a young entrepreneur in the operation of an existing business. Nominees must be aged 35 years and under by May 31, 2024, have been in business for at least two years, and the business must be at least 51% Indigenous owned and operated (First Nations, Métis or Inuit).
Business of the Year (*the business must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned and operated): these awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs in three sub-categories:
- Businesses with 1-2 employees
- Businesses with 3-10 employees
- Businesses with 11+ employees
Community-Owned Business of the Year (*businesses must be 100% owned by the community): this award acknowledges one or more businesses owned by a community with the intention of building a strong economic foundation for community members. There are two sub-categories for this award:
- Community-Owned one entity
- Community-Owned two more entities
Business Partnership of the Year (*Indigenous ownership must be at least 50%): this award recognizes a business enterprise created by two or more parties.
Award of Distinction: The Award of Distinction for lifetime achievement is presented to a person who, over his or her career, has made a significant difference in the Indigenous business community through his or her entrepreneurial endeavours and, in doing so, serves as a leader, role model, mentor and inspiration. The individual may be an innovator in his or her business activities, a successful entrepreneur, or an individual who has been instrumental in supporting or creating Indigenous business activities in the province.
Questions? Please contact indigenousbusiness@bcachievement.com – we are happy to help! #nominatenowbc
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.